Be Baby ready by prepping your hospital bag

There is no harm in being prepared early. As you start to get further along in your pregnancy it is a good idea to plan and prep your hospital bag so that when the baby decides to make their entrance, all you have to do is grab and go. This might feel a little overwhelming a task, so here are a few things we think you should have in your bag.

Needs some tips? Keep reading.

Birth Plan and Important Notes

If you have created a birth plan or have some important documents regarding your birth, those should be front and centre in your bag. Your birth plan, plus any other notes you need, will save you, your birth partner and sometimes even the doctors from having to run around to find details.

For example …

It is all well and good verbally sharing with your doctor that you want to keep your placenta or that someone is coming to take it for private storage, but on the day, having the documents in place can save confusion.

Make sure as soon as you have your birth plan confirmed, you get it into the bag somewhere easily accessible.

Clothing … for everyone

Birth is unpredictable at the best of times so there is the possibility your stay might be a few days. You will want to take a few options of comfy clothing or pyjamas for yourself as well as several pairs of underwear (maybe go cheap on these or go with something disposable). With a few options, you can stay feeling comfy and a bit fresher each day you are in the hospital.

But as this section mentions you won’t just be planning for you. You have also got to plan for the baby. You will want to prep a few vests and bodysuits and the outfit you want them to come home in. Plan for the weather of course and if it will be cold, get them an extra layer.

Finally, so they are not left out, have a section of the bag for your birth partner to shove some clothes into too. They are of course free to pop in and out as they please but if they think they will stay a full day with you, they will want something clean to wear too.

Toiletries

For a potential few days away from home you are going to want the standard things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, dry shampoo in case you can’t shower or a mini shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and all the standard things you might need for washing yourself. You will probably want hair ties, a hairbrush and lip balm too. Lob everything in that will help your in-hospital stay easier. Even if you don’t use it, it’s better to have it at all.

In addition, you’re going to want some large sanitary or maternity pads/pants. These are an absolute must for your hospital stay and when you get home.

The extras

Snacks, water bottles, books or magazines, tech and chargers – all the other things that are important but don’t need a specific section. You and your partner are both going to need items to keep you entertained.  Your birthing partner might want something to snack on in the interim and you will want your phone charged so you can contact friends and family, so ensure that you have a section of your bag dedicated to these extra bits and bobs.

At the end of the day….

As much as we hope this list can give you a few ideas, everyone is different. Your hospital bag is yours to create. You may want to overpack, you may want to go light, or you may even want the bare minimum. Whatever you think you might want or need, its your bag to pack.

Thanks for reading xxx